When I was a kid, I was part of a gang of cousins who had a great time whenever we could get together.  Me and my brothers, Ron and Mike; Dale, Gail, and Doyle Cook; Carmen and Johnny Salles; and Dennis Dyer.  Dennis's sister Joyce was a bit older that the rest of us so she didn't hang out with the gang much.  

Johnny wasn't "Big John" yet -- he was still a tall, lanky kid.  He had the perfect mix of humor, cynicism, and adventurous spirit to make him a lot of fun to be around.  I don't think he ever lost that.

I'm attaching a picture of the male members of the cousin gang.  I think we had been playing football when the picture was taken, so Carmen and Gail aren't in the picture.  

Left to right are:  Dennis Dyer, Johnny Salles, Ron Hargett, Dale Cook, Mike Hargett, me, and Doyle Cook.  Sadly, everyone in the picture except for me and Dale is gone.



A late reflection on John. The first time I knew of John was when our junior high school basketball coach told us that Salles was the one to stop if we hoped to best Sequoia. He said he was the best athlete on the team. Later a knew John in high school and he always had a friendly smile and humble attitude in spite of his athletic accomplishments. ..Virgil Rose

So many memories of baseball experiences with John over 40 years, and even a couple of fishing memories.  John had the highest expectations possible for his ball players, which resulted in dozens and dozens of them going on to achieve in high levels of baseball.  He was always there to support John Jr, J.D. and Tucker wherever they were playing or coaching baseball.  I will miss John’s mischievous smile and seeing him at ballgames when I visit the Fresno area.

 Many fond memories of my dad catching me and “Big John” teaching me how to throw the “slerve” and split finger fastball.  The excitement when he would come and watch my games with my dad and his encouragement from the stands. He would always tell me ....team always needs a good left hander... Thanks to “Big John” for giving me the opportunity to play on all star teams  and travel to play in World Baseball tournaments.  Some of the best summers for our family.  He will be missed⚾️

The look on Johns face 😳 after counting ten trout and having one left in his creel in front of a game warden. I guess the warden thought it funny😏 too because he let it slide.

My favorite memory of John is when Abbott  taught him how to throw a slurve (a slider and curve ball combo).  John could throw REALLY hard but without great control, so I was not nearly as excited as John to catch all his attempts!  But he was thrilled to have a new weapon which he called “the thing.”

Faith and I are really sorry we will not be at the service but we have been exposed to someone who has come down with a flu (not tested yet however), so we are quarantining ourselves.  Please know that you, Bev, and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.   

Calvary Worship Center

San Joaquin Memorial High School Baseball (In Care of J. D. Salles) 

Beverly Salles

John Salles (Marcie)

Carmen Shatswell (Cecil)

J.D Salles

Tucker Salles

Boice Funeral Home

Larry Knight

Pete Dalena

John Means

Kevin Shatswell

John Shatswell

Don Munoz, Jr.

Johnny Salles

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Johnny "Big John" Salles

July 20, 1946 – March 11, 2020

Boice Funeral Home

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